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The Ramayana
The Ramayana is an Indian myth that tells of a story of Rama and his journey. The myth begins with King Dasa-ratha and the gift Mythological symbols and motifs is associated with life cycle. This is only fitting because these four sons will carry on their father’s legacy. As King Dasa-ratha’s sons grew older, his oldest, Rama, conquered a feat only a hero could. He bent a he bow presented by King Janaka; in return he married Sita. Sita represents the good mother. She is so pure, beautiful, and associated with good morals. After Rama returned home with his new wife, his father wished to make him king. One of the king’s other wives protested this however, and with persuasion and treachery she had her way. The wife’s scheme involved the banishing of Rama for fourteen years leaving her son to rule the land. Rama accepted the exile and left the city with Sita and his friend Lakshmana. Rama did not know that he was about to embark on his quest and calling. As a hermit, Rama was given special weapons to fight the Rakshasas. The Rakshsas did not see Rama as a threat, in fact they enticed his wife and took her from the land and held her as prisoner. Rama was heart broken over this and would not sleep until he found his wife. Rama took on the companionship of the monkeys and together they fought the Rakshasas and freed Sita. Rama killed the evil Ravanna which was his destiny all along. Afte having Sita back in his arms and removing the evil from the land, they all returned back to their homeland where Rama took over the kingdom. Sita was accused of committing impure acts while in captivity and had to prove herself pure by sacrificing herself. Even after her public display, the citizens still felt she was impure and Rama had to banish her from the land. As she was away Sita gave birth to Rama’s child and she taught him the Ramayana. A song about Rama and his journey. After many years, Rama demanded that Sita return home and be with him once again. Sita returned home but gave herself to the heavens, for she did not want to have to keep proving herself pure. Rama was saddened by the loss of his wife but continued to rule thousands of years until his sons took over the kingdom. External Sources http://www.mythome.org/RamaSummary.html http://www.bl.uk/ramayana |